A giant steel tower symbolising the global struggle for social and economic justice is to greet music fans arriving at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

The 70ft (21m) structure has been designed by festival organiser Michael Eavis and Cornwall-based artists Graham Hobbins and Kurt Jackson.

It will appear at the Left Field entrance to the Glastonbury site.

Left Field director Geoff Martin said the tower celebrated "international workers' solidarity".

Work on the tower will begin this weekend - it is being built in North Devon by unionised apprentices from the Appledore shipyard, who have been fighting against the threat of closure.

"I came up with the idea of having 12 large figures cut out of steel plate revolving on a big cylinder pulling a rope which should indicate the need for all people around the world to work and pull together," said Mr Eavis.

GMB union steward Gary Cooke, said the project was welcomed by the Appledore workers.

"After the year that we've had, marking May Day with the commissioning of this tower is a real boost for industry in Devon and a labour of love for all of us involved," he said.